The Impact Of A Structured Education Program On Artificial Intelligence Use For Nursing Faculty On Teaching Practices, Katy White

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into nursing education; however, nursing faculty report inconsistent preparedness, including gaps in AI knowledge and self-efficacy for responsible AI integration. This quality improvement project addressed inconsistent faculty preparedness through an asynchronous AI educational program. The purpose was to address gaps in AI knowledge and self-efficacy, and the aim was to evaluate changes in AI self-efficacy and AI knowledge while supporting AI integration into nursing education. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory served as the change theory, the Technology Acceptance Model served as the theoretical framework, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework guided implementation. A quantitative one-group pretest-posttest …

Restoring Control: How Occupational Therapy Improves Quality Of Life And Pelvic Pain, Taryn Ritchie

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at PT Solutions Physical Therapy LLC in Lexington, KY. This project focused on women seeking and receiving pelvic health therapy for pelvic pain. The goals the capstone were to increase awareness of pelvic health Occupational Therapy and evaluate the impact of therapy on QoL and participation in ADLs and IADLs. The capstone also aimed to expand knowledge and increase competence of medical professionals and clients regarding pelvic health therapy. Lastly, the capstone intended to create deliverables that can be utilized for education purposes. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, dyspareunia, …

Parents’ Perceptions Of Aai’S Effect On Social Interaction & Communication For Individuals With Asd And/Or Adhd​, Alexis E. Morris, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study will investigate the impact of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on social interaction and communication skills of children or young adults formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on self or parent/caregiver report.

Children with ASD and ADHD experience deficits in communication and social participation that limit engagement in meaningful childhood occupations and peer relationships, highlighting the need for alternative, motivating intervention approaches. Animal-assisted interventions may provide a supportive and engaging environment that promotes emotional regulation, joint attention, and social reciprocity, and communication by enhancing participation in daily occupations.

The hypothesis for this study …

Developing Comprehensive Resources For Caregivers: Facilitating The Transition Of Nicu Patients To Home Care, Taysha M. Gonzalez, Cynthia Haynes

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project developed a comprehensive, occupational therapy-informed NICU Caregiver Transition Toolkit to support families as they transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home. The project used clinical observations at the AdventHealth Daytona Beach NICU and AdventHealth Orlando NICU Graduate Clinic, a review of evidence-based literature and existing caregiver education materials, and interdisciplinary collaboration to identify caregiver education needs and guide toolkit development. Educational materials were created in English and Spanish using caregiver-friendly language, visual supports, step-by-step instructions, and QR-code access to digital resources. Draft materials were reviewed by occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other …

The Measles Serology Initiative: A Quality Improvement Intervention To Increase Provider Compliance With Rubeola Serology Screening, Erika S. Martinez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase provider adherence to Rubeola IgG serology screening during prenatal visits at an outpatient women’s health clinic by 10% from a baseline adherence rate of 63.3%.

Background

Rubeola remains a highly contagious viral infection that poses health risks for nonimmune pregnant patients and their newborns. With increasing Rubeola cases and the importance of identifying immunity status during pregnancy, consistent prenatal screening practices are essential. Baseline data demonstrated inconsistent adherence to Rubeola IgG screening recommendations, highlighting the need for workflow interventions to improve provider compliance.

Methodology

A pre-post QI design …

Reducing Potentially Preventable Emergency Department Visits (Ppvs) Through A Telehealth Intervention In Children With Asthma Within A Managed Care Organization (Mco), Renee A. Roker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Abstract

Purpose:  The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce unnecessary ED utilizations among children with asthma enrolled in a Medicaid managed care health plan. The project aimed to improve access to care and enhance asthma self-management.

Background:  Asthma is one of the leading causes of Emergency Department (ED) utilization, among vulnerable populations. Members experience barriers to timely primary and specialist care, contributing to Potentially Preventable ED Visits (PPV) rates. This places managed care organizations (MCOs) at risk for financial penalties if not meeting the Texas PPV benchmark.

Methodology:  Guided by the Chronic Care Model, Lean Six Sigma …

Premarket Clinical Evidence Strength And Recalls Of High-Risk Therapeutic Medical Devices, Maryam Mooghali, Faaizah Arshad, Vinay K Rathi, Kushal T Kadakia, Alexander O Everhart, Joseph S Ross, Sanket S Dhruva

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: High-risk medical devices approved through the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval (PMA) pathway may be supported by limited premarket clinical evidence, leaving uncertainties about safety. Whether device, premarket clinical evidence, or regulatory characteristics are associated with subsequent device recalls is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between device, premarket clinical evidence, and regulatory characteristics and serious recalls among high-risk therapeutic devices.

DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study reviewed 193 high-risk therapeutic medical devices approved through the FDA's PMA pathway between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Data were analyzed between August 2025 and December 2025. …

Ai-Enhanced Ct Reconstruction: Effects On Image Quality Across Dose Levels And Implications For Radiation Dose Optimization: A Systematic Review, Matthew R. Alberto

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate how deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) affects diagnostic image quality and noise characteristics at different radiation dose levels and how it influences dose optimization compared with conventional reconstruction methods.

Method A systematic review was conducted using major databases for studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies assessed DLIR across multiple dose levels, reported radiation dose, included quantitative image quality metrics, and compared DLIR with filtered back projection or iterative reconstruction.

Results Thirty‑seven studies met criteria, and 15 were synthesized. Three themes emerged: (a) DLIR reduced noise by 15–82% and often improved signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios while …

Reducing Mr Acquisition Times Using Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review, Fatin M. Arief

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize existing evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications for reducing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging acquisition time, evaluate their impact on image quality, and identify challenges in clinical implementation.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus including peer reviewed, English-language articles published between 2020 and 2026. Both qualitative and quantitative primary research were eligible and had to be on AI use in MR processes. Findings were analyzed through thematic synthesis, and the quality of each study was appraised using relevant critical appraisal tools.

Results Three major themes emerged: AI methods in MR procedures, perceived …

Impact Of Mr-Linac Technology On Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes, Anhdiep P. Tran

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance-guided linear accelerator (MR-Linac) technology on treatment precision, clinical outcomes, and operational challenges in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2026. Eligible studies evaluated MR-Linac technology for prostate cancer and reported outcomes related to treatment precision, toxicity, workflow, and clinical effectiveness.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) improved treatment precision through superior soft tissue visualization, real-time target tracking, and adaptive radiotherapy; (b) improved clinical outcomes characterized by reduced radiation exposure to organs at risk, decreased …

Gadolinium Deposition Concerns In Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Emily Tran

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how concerns about gadolinium deposition have influenced the use of macrocyclic versus linear contrast agents in magnetic resonance (MR) practice.

Method A structured literature review was conducted using AI-assisted research tools and academic databases to identify recent peer-reviewed original research articles related to gadolinium deposition and contrast agent use patterns in MR. Only studies published between 2020 and 2026 were included.

Results Recent research confirmed that gadolinium can accumulate in human tissues following contrast-enhanced MR examinations. Multiple studies demonstrated that linear gadolinium-based contrast agents are associated with greater levels of tissue retention compared with macrocyclic agents due …

Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Roles And Career Trajectories Of Radiologic Technologists, Carolina Esquivel

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the roles, responsibilities, and career trajectories of radiologic technologists by identifying emerging challenges and opportunities associated with AI integration in medical imaging.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026. Eligible studies examined AI applications in medical imaging and their effects on workforce roles, education, collaboration, and professional practice. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) workflow efficiency and protocol optimization through AI-assisted imaging processes; (b) professional skill development and evolving responsibilities related to …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders In Sonography: Impact On Career Longevity And Evidence-Based Interventions For Workforce Retention, Aileen Gonzalez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers, examine their impact on career longevity and job satisfaction, and identify leadership-driven interventions that support workforce retention.

Method A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies examined WRMSDs in sonographers and reported outcomes related to career longevity, job satisfaction, workplace retention, or injury prevention interventions. Findings were synthesized thematically.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) WRMSDs are highly prevalent across sonography specialties and represent …

High-Definition Healing: Investigating Ai-Driven Mr Reconstruction Methods, Jerell R. Jones

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To analyze recent artificial intelligence (AI)-driven magnetic resonance (MR) reconstruction methods aimed at addressing long acquisition times, image artifacts, and workflow inefficiencies.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Scopus AI, targeting peer‑reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026. Search terms included “MRI,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” “artificial intelligence,” “deep learning,” and “machine learning.” Eligible studies included methodology, validation, and review papers. Extracted data included algorithm type, study design, key findings, and limitations. Themes were identified through content analysis and generative AI use.

Results Prominent themes identified were the emergence of generative adversarial networks, advanced neural …

Administrative And Clinical Impacts Of Theranostic Program Expansion In Nuclear Medicine, Karmela Kljajic Pascual

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on theranostic trials, nuclear medicine clinical workflow models, and organizational readiness, with a focus on how healthcare organizations and medical imaging leaders are adapting to the rapid expansion of theranostic services.

Method A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria required peer‑reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2026 addressing nuclear medicine leadership, theranostic implementation, workflow design, and organizational factors influencing theranostic program development. Exclusion criteria removed editorials, blog posts, and nonpeer‑reviewed sources.

Results Four major themes emerged: workforce and staffing demands, infrastructure and resource requirements, regulatory and administrative pressures, …

Evaluating The Safety Of Mr Exposure For Electronic Devices And Implants: A Literature Review, Molly O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To review literature examining the factors that determine magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility of electronic implants and wearable devices, including device materials, engineering design, regulatory approval processes, and clinical monitoring requirements.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature addressing MR safety and device compatibility. Databases searched included PubMed, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on relevance to MR safety classifications, device design considerations, regulatory labeling, and monitoring requirements.

Results The literature demonstrated that MR compatible devices are engineered and tested to meet regulatory safety standards and approved for use under specific scanning …

Application Of Lean Six Sigma Strategies To Improve Diagnostic Imaging Departmental Performance Metrics: A Literature Review, Obinna Newman Osuji

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Lean and Six Sigma quality improvement approaches in enhancing diagnostic imaging workflows and departmental financial performance.

Method Literature for this review was retrieved from Scopus, CINAHIL Plus, PubMed, and Healthcare Administration Database in February and March 2026. Empirical studies and literature reviews were included if they addressed the utilization of Lean Six Sigma, Lean, or Six Sigma as a method of quality improvement within a diagnostic imaging departmental setting.

Results Database searches generated 1,624 articles, and 17 were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. There were four studies that directly measured patient …

Assault Vs. Assistance: Radiologic Technologist Decision-Making When Fall-Risk Patients Decline Assistance, Pamela O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To explore how radiologic technologists experience and respond to situations involving fall-risk patients who decline assistance during imaging procedures.

Method A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from practicing radiologic technologists recruited through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS to summarize participant responses, and a thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses.

Results A total of 87 respondents completed the survey. Results indicated that encounters with fall-risk patients who refuse assistance are common in clinical imaging practice. Sixty-three (72.4%) technologists reported having experienced situations in which a …

Magnetic Resonance In Pregnancy: Safety Considerations, Contrast Risks, And Imaging Modality Alternatives, Lizzette Valdez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the safety of magnetic resonance (MR) during pregnancy by evaluating fetal outcomes, contrast agent risks, and the comparative roles of MR, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) in prenatal imaging.

Method A literature review was conducted using PubMed and peer-reviewed radiology journals to identify studies evaluating MR safety during pregnancy. The review examined fetal and neonatal outcomes following prenatal MR exposure, trimester-specific imaging considerations, risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents, and comparisons among MR, ultrasound, and CT.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) noncontrast MR demonstrated a strong safety profile with no consistent association with adverse fetal or …

Comparing Ai-Generated And Human-Written Radiology Reports: Evidence From The Literature, Lakenya Webb

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate the current evidence comparing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated radiology reports with radiologist-written reports, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy, clinical reasoning, workflow efficiency, and patient safety.

Method A literature review was performed using peer-reviewed articles identified through The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library. Studies evaluating AI-generated radiology reports were analyzed using AI-assisted thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns related to report quality, diagnostic performance, and clinical implementation.

Results The literature consistently identified three overarching themes: (a) AI-generated reports demonstrated improvements in structured reporting and factual consistency but exhibited variable diagnostic accuracy; (b) current AI systems had …

Deep Learning Reconstruction In Pediatric Ct Imaging, Cody Wyatt

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on dose optimization using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) with emphasis on computed tomography (CT), pediatrics, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and radiation dosage.

Method The methodology was a systematic literature review, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature on the use of DLR in pediatric CT. Databases searched included Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Keywords include combinations of deep learning reconstruction, DLR, CT, pediatric, dose, and optimization. Boolean operators were used to refine search results.

Results Three themes emerged: dosage reduction, noise reduction, and improved spatial resolution with the use of DLR …

National Pacs And Electronic Health Records: Considerations, Challenges, And Implications For Radiomics, Darchelle Scott

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the considerations, challenges, and implications of implementing a national picture archiving and communication system (PACS) integrated with electronic health records (EHRs), with particular emphasis on interoperability, radiomics, and patient-centered data sharing.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using books, peer-reviewed articles, original research studies, and government publications addressing radiomics, TEFCA, blockchain technology, PACS, and EHR integration. Literature was analyzed to evaluate national health information exchange, radiomics applications, and implementation challenges associated with a connected healthcare infrastructure.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) interoperable national PACS and EHR systems have the potential to improve continuity of care …

Quality Improvement Project: Experienced Nurse To Novice Adjunct Educator: Bridging The Gap, Karen Liddy

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A formal mentoring program is an effective approach for enhancing mentee satisfaction and self-efficacy and decreasing turnover rates. Although evidence supports the benefits of mentoring, many universities lack formal mentoring programs for adjunct faculty. Utilizing the PDSA framework, this quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project executed and evaluated a structured adjunct faculty mentoring program to improve faculty self-efficacy and mentee satisfaction. The project was led by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Change and used a pre- and post-test design involving adjunct nursing faculty members with fewer than three years of academic teaching experience. Mentors and …

Improving Implementation Of The Cmqcc Obstetric Hemorrhage Risk Assessment Tool To Improve Maternal Hemorrhage Response And Outcomes, Emily Hobbs, Karla Beiswenger

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Abstract Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, despite advances in obstetric care and the availability of evidence-based management strategies (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2017; Federspiel et al., 2023). Standardized tools, such as the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) Obstetric Hemorrhage Risk Assessment Tool, have been shown to improve early identification of at-risk patients and enhance team preparedness when consistently implemented (Main et al., 2017; CMQCC, 2022). However, variability in clinical utilization limits their effectiveness. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to …

Aquatic Therapy And Its Impact On Perceived Caregiver Strain, Amanda J. Carter, Cynthia Haynes, Katherine O'Hara

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory dysregulation that significantly impairs their participation in daily occupations and increases caregiver strain (Lawson et al., 2020; Passarello et al., 2022). Although aquatic therapy has shown promise in improving sensory processing, motor skills, and social participation, there is limited research examining its specific impact on the caregivers’ ability to provide support at home (Butzman et al., 2022; Caputo et al., 2018; Güeita-Rodríguez et al., 2021).

This study is a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pre/post-design. This study sought to investigate the impact of six weeks of aquatic therapy intervention on sensory regulation and its …

Program Development: Integration Of Occupation In Adaptive Fitness, Havyn A. Isaac, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project was a program development and implementation of an adaptive fitness program for individuals with physical disabilities that integrates occupation. This was done to bridge the gap between adaptive fitness and occupational therapy and highlight the role of occupational therapy in adaptive fitness settings. A needs assessment and activity analysis were completed and used to develop the weekly sessions throughout implementation. The implementation phase was over 6 weeks, with 3 sessions a week. Each week had an occupational focus that was identified and broken down with the activity analysis. The program highlighted the role of occupational therapy in adaotive …

Evaluation Of Unconventional Bolus Materials For Radiation Therapy: A Study Of Sand, And Rice, Brooke Benson

Masters Projects

Abstract

Purpose: Research easily accessible substitutes for Superflab which conform better to the patient surface and are more conformal in an attempt to increase efficacy of bolus for clinical use.

Methods: For this experiment, sand and rice were measured based on Hounsfield units (HU) and relative electron density (RED) and placed into bags to be formed to a patient surface, securing their shape through the use of a vacuum sealer. After repeated CT scans with the chosen materials, plans were calculated on each scan followed by measurement of HU, air gap volume, bolus volume, and dosimetric parameters including monitor units …

Belonging & Whole Person Formation In Graduate Education: A Conceptual Framework For Student Flourishing, Cynthia L. Hickman

Posters

Graduate students experience substantial academic, personal, and professional demands that can negatively affect well-being and persistence. For students enrolled in professional programs, belonging may develop within two overlapping communities: the academic institution and the emerging profession. Institutional and professional belonging can provide connection, support, engagement, and opportunities for identity and professional development. This paper synthesizes literature on these two forms of belonging and proposes a conceptual framework describing their potential relationship with whole-person formation and flourishing. Whole-person formation extends graduate education beyond knowledge acquisition and professional competence to include development across interconnected dimensions of the person. Within the proposed framework, …

Psychosocial Experiences Of Secondary School Students Living With Sickle Cell Disease While In School In Lagos State, Nigeria, Toluwalope Yetunde Onuwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a lifelong genetic condition significantly impacting the physical, emotional, and social health of those affected. Nigeria has one of the highest global burdens of SCD, yet there is limited research on the psychosocial experiences of secondary school students living with SCD in educational settings. This qualitative study explored these experiences among students in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using the social ecological model and interpreted through the social model of disability, the study examined how school environments, educational practices, and institutional support influenced students' psychosocial well-being and perceived health. Twenty secondary school students participated in 4 in-person …

Improving Recognition And Communication Of Early Patient Condition Changes Through An Evidence-Based Staff Education Program, Raymond Mwanje

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project is a staff education project aimed at enhancing recognition and communication of early changes in patients' conditions in a long-term care rehabilitation environment. Delayed recognition of patient deterioration is a major challenge in nursing practice, as subtle changes in a patient's condition may go unnoticed, leading to delayed intervention, avoidable complications, and unnecessary hospital transfers. Poor communication among staff can also hinder the escalation of care, impacting patient safety and quality of care. There is evidence that structured communication strategies and education interventions can help enhance communication between clinicians and aid earlier detection of patient deterioration. Resolving …